The Connaught Telegraph

From www.castlebar.ie

Local Papers Commentary
The Connaught Telegraph - 24 July 2002
By Sandra Noone
Jul 26, 2002, 17:33

Stung by a wasp, Mayo man died within five minutes, now....Widow warns about killer allergy
Mrs. Lynn McGuire has called for an urgent public awareness campaign on the dangers posed to humans who are severely allergic to the venom of stinging insects after her husband died in London from a wasp sting earlier this month. She says that medical authorities both in Ireland and Britain aren’t doing enough to educate the public about anaphylaxia – a fatal reaction to insect stings which hampers breathing and closes down the circulatory system.

Tony McGuire, the owner of a North London based construction firm, died at his home on July 14th less than five minutes after being stung by a wasp. Mrs McGuire says "Much more needs to be done to educate the public about a danger which claims perhaps more than 100 lives worldwide every year".

Contractors warned about removal and dumping of waste from construction sites
Mayo County Council is to "get tough" with contractors who remove and dump construction waste without the relevant permits. A spokesman for the authority warned that it is an offence to remove construction and demolition waste without a Waste Collection Permit. He also added that it is an offence to deposit construction and demolition waste, which is not permitted or is not a licensed landfill. Those convicted of offences under the Waste Management Act face fines of up to 1,800 Euro and a term of imprisonment or both.

Council action to move merchant travellers
Mayo County Council has pledged to take legal action against those responsible for the indiscriminate parking of caravans at the Industrial Estate, Castlebar. Following complaints raised by Deputy Michael Ring, Senator Paddy Burke and Mr. Johnny Mee, Mr. Joe Loftus, acting county manager, gave a commitment that immediate moves would be undertaken to have them moved on. The situation at the Industrial Estate deteriorated at the weekend with a further 25 caravans moved onto the site, bringing the number to over 40. Deputy Michael inspected the site and said it was imperative that Mayo County Council took action before the situation got completely out of control.